Welcome to Xavier. We are glad that you have chosen to enroll at the University and hope your doing so will help you achieve your desire of becoming a health professional. Here's our advice for new students. More will come later.

First, although we are #1 nationally in placing African-Americans into medical school, don't think that merely enrolling at Xavier will automatically get you into medical school. Students from Xavier who gained entry into medical school in the past did so because they worked hard to keep their grades up and listened to the advice which was provided as they progressed through the University. If you do the same, then you have an excellent chance of getting into medical school. If not, the mere fact that you have enrolled at Xavier will not help you get in. XU students are not getting in because of who we know or because of affirmative action. They are getting in because they are obviously as qualified as other applicants. If you focus on your career goal and put the time in, you too can become a physician or dentist or similar health professional. Now is the time to decide whether or not you are willing to do so.

Second, there are a number of meetings scheduled for Freshman Premeds (Biomedical Honor Corps) this fall which you should attend. A tentative list of meetings will be distributed when you register with the Premed Office during Freshman Orientation. Go to www.xula.edu/premed and click on "For XU Students Interested in any Health Profession Except Pharmacy," then "List of Meetings for Fall Semester" to view the meeting schedule and to complete any missed meetings. Please note that the first meeting for the Biomedical Honor Corps (ALL Freshman Premeds) is on Friday, 08/21/09, at 3:00 pm in NCF 105.

Yes, we know that late afternoon and evening meetings are not most convenient for everyone BUT it is the only time most of you are free. (Note: We didn't say it was going to be easy–just that it could be done if you want it badly enough.)

Third, you should check the email address that you submitted when you checked-in with the PM Office AT LEAST ONCE A DAY for important messages regarding summer programs, premed advising, and upcoming events. Also, you should pay attention to special signs on the PM Office door (NCF 108) and in the elevators in the NCF Science Building and the Science Annex regarding medical school recruiters, special premed meetings, etc.

Fourth, as new freshmen you should DEFINITELY plan on going to the Peer Counseling (Tutoring) Center two or three times a week. One part of the Center is located in the Premedical Office in room 108L. At that location you can get individual help in General Chemistry or check answers to the problems in the General Chemistry Handbook (answers are also available on reserve in XU's Library or from a link on the Chemistry Department's website, www.xula.edu/chemistry). The second part of the Peer Counseling (Tutoring) Center is located in the "glass-walled room" near theelevators on the fourth floor of the NCF Science Addition. At that location, you can get individual assistance in General Biology. The hours of operation for each location are posted in the room where the tutoring is available and in the syllabus you will receive the first day of class in General Biology and General Chemistry.

Fifth, you should DEFINITELY plan on talking with some of the more than forty medical, dental, etc. schools expected to send recruiters to campus this year. A schedule of upcoming visitors will be posted in the Premedical Office on a regular basis as well as on the large moveable bulletin boards which are located directly in front of the entrance to the old portion of the NCF Science Building. You should talk with as many of them as possible to find out what their schools have to offer. Please note that it is okay to talk with them a little while and then to quietly leave (after excusing yourself).

AGAIN, WELCOME TO XAVIER!!! And remember, the Biomedical Honor Corps Orientation for All Freshman Premeds will be held on Friday, 8/21/09, 3:00 pm in NCF 105.